Ambulance Services: Standards

Norman Lamb
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what national targets exist for the handover times from ambulances to accident and emergency departments.

Mr. Bradshaw
Departmental guidance makes clear that in normal operational circumstances handovers should take no longer than 15 minutes. This is guidance, not a target or a standard. While the Department recognises there may be periods when operational pressures mean this is not always possible, trusts should ensure their escalation plans include robust action to manage their handovers.